Related

A Harris Decima poll conducted across British Columbia in July 2012 on the subject of clean energy reveals some interesting thinking by British Columbians about what criteria should shape our choices and options to meet increasing energy demand in our province’s future.

By a margin of 64 per cent to 29 per cent, a strong majority of us supports building a new major hydroelectric dam — Site C.

But an even stronger majority, a margin of 72 per cent to 21 per cent supports more independent power projects such as run of river and wind generation.

According to the poll, British Columbians reject the idea of relying upon importing electricity to meet future domestic needs.

British Columbians put a top priority upon using sustainable energy sources and conservation.

B.C. has been a world leader in so many ways, using its natural resource endowment to shape progressive energy policies.

It was a Social Credit government that initiated independent power production in the late 1980s to work with BC Hydro to forge private and public partnerships to deliver clean, sustainable and low cost power to all ratepayers.

Subsequently, in the 1990s the NDP enabled further development of the sector with power calls for renewable and clean projects for both domestic and export markets.

Most recently, the Liberal government brought in carbon pricing and myriad progressive climate action policies in the 2000s that brought investment capital into B.C. to help the clean energy sector grow and expand.

Into the second decade of this century, the Harris Decima poll suggests British Columbians are supportive and comfortable with the balance that has been forged.

While protecting our rivers, streams and fish we have employed innovation to refine and perfect non-storage hydro run-of-river technology. Our wind farms are among the most modern in the World and strategically situated to minimize impacts on wildlife. We have efficient bio-mass and bio-gas operations and emergent technologies to use ocean, solar and geo-thermal fuels. On top of all of this we have abundant natural gas which can be the bridge to a global economy based less and less on high polluting fossil fuels.

The clean energy sector in B.C. which encompasses all of the fuels noted above, including natural gas, is engaged with local communities and working co-operatively with 125 first nations.

It is not just about jobs and benefits but relationships which have been forged. Energy projects are long-term ventures and hence the precedent relationships must also be multi-generational.

B.C. is currently in a global competition to secure LNG developments in the Northwest. The government’s Jobs Plan is dependent upon securing at least three of these projects. As part of its planning BC Hydro has produced a plan with demand-supply scenarios to meet any eventuality.

The message from the poll is clear, British Columbians want to see a balanced clean energy mix of fuels to supply future energy demand and foremost, “A broad majority (72 per cent) also supports more independent power projects such as run of river and wind generation.”

By the way, the Harris Decima poll was not paid for by IPPs or the clean energy sector, but by BC Hydro.

Paul Kariya is executive director of the Independent Power Producers of BC.

Comments

We encourage all readers to share their views on our articles and blog posts. We are committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion, so we ask you to avoid personal attacks, and please keep your comments relevant and respectful. If you encounter a comment that is abusive, click the "X" in the upper right corner of the comment box to report spam or abuse. We are using Facebook commenting. Visit our FAQ page for more information.

Share

Opinion: British Columbians want a clean energy future

Video

Today's Headline Videos

Best of Postmedia

The mystery of Malaysian Airlines Flight 370 has captivated the world for more than four years, but for two retired Ottawa air accident investigators, it all comes down to six seconds. And the evidence from those final moments before the Boeing 777 disappeared into the Indian Ocean is irrefutable, say Larry Vance and Terry Heaslip. “We […]

At first she was tearful, then she was horrified. The young woman had just discovered a cellphone that was recording her as she took her clothes off in an Ottawa doctor’s examining room. Confronted, the doctor insisted that the video was for “training purposes” and deleted it in front of her. Incredulous, she refused to […]

Almost Done!

Postmedia wants to improve your reading experience as well as share the best deals and promotions from our advertisers with you. The information below will be used to optimize the content and make ads across the network more relevant to you. You can always change the information you share with us by editing your profile.

By clicking "Create Account", I hearby grant permission to Postmedia to use my account information to create my account.

I also accept and agree to be bound by Postmedia's Terms and Conditions with respect to my use of the Site and I have read and understand Postmedia's Privacy Statement. I consent to the collection, use, maintenance, and disclosure of my information in accordance with the Postmedia's Privacy Policy.

Postmedia wants to improve your reading experience as well as share the best deals and promotions from our advertisers with you. The information below will be used to optimize the content and make ads across the network more relevant to you. You can always change the information you share with us by editing your profile.

By clicking "Create Account", I hearby grant permission to Postmedia to use my account information to create my account.

I also accept and agree to be bound by Postmedia's Terms and Conditions with respect to my use of the Site and I have read and understand Postmedia's Privacy Statement. I consent to the collection, use, maintenance, and disclosure of my information in accordance with the Postmedia's Privacy Policy.